4 Tooth Pain Home Remedies

by Steve Auger

Pain is one method the body uses to indicate that something is wrong. You might've pulled a muscle in your back lifting a heavy box or accidentally burned your hand while cooking. If you've ever had a toothache, you know tooth pain is no fun. If you're unable to receive dental attention right away, you can try some tooth pain home remedies.

Tooth Pain Causes

Unfortunately, there are numerous ways that you can wind up with a toothache. Worn down tooth enamel or a recessed gumline can expose the tooth's dentin, the layer of hard tissue located under the enamel. This makes your teeth sensitive to cold and hot liquids or sugary drinks.

Cavities are another common pain trigger. Once the sensitive nerves in your teeth are exposed, an act as simple as biting something hard could be painful.

If you bite down on something too hard, you could have a cracked tooth. Trauma from an accident can also crack a tooth. A severe enough crack may expose the tender nerves that reside deep in your teeth.

Sometimes dental work that was performed to fix one problem can cause another problem. Fillings and crowns can become loose or cracked, resulting in tooth pain.

Your first inclination to relieve a toothache might be a cold compress or an over-the-counter pain medication. But there are other methods you can try.

1. Clove Oil

Clove oil works to relieve pain and reduce the swelling that stems from the toothache. Clove oil is effective because it contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic. It acts as a temporary pain reliever. Soak up a few drops of clove oil in a cotton ball, then gently rub the cotton ball over the affected teeth and gums.

Clove oil may soothe your pain, but be aware that it doesn't have the most pleasant taste.

2. Salt Water Rinse

Try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water if you have a painful tooth and swollen gums. Simply add a couple of teaspoons of salt to a cup of warm water. Once you've swished the mixture around your mouth, spit it out.

Before you use this rinse, make sure to correctly prepare the solution. Mix 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Swish it around your mouth, but don't swallow it.

4. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil in has been used historically to treat toothaches, according to the Arabian Journal of Chemistry. This essential oil has antibacterial properties that may reduce tooth pain, making it a popular choice for those seeking short-term toothache relief until dental help is available. Use a cotton ball to apply a few drops of oil to the affected area.

Remember that tooth pain home remedies only provide temporary pain relief. Always consult your dentist if you're suffering from tooth pain, as they will be able to conduct a thorough dental examination to discover the root of the problem and find a solution.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

ADULT ORAL CARE

Overview

As an adult, you are not immune to dental problems. In addition to maintaining a good home care routine, the best thing you can do is to schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. You also have a variety of cosmetic options available, including orthodontics (braces), whitening (both in-office and at-home) and bonding (veneers).

Topics Related to Adult Oral Care

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Common Conditions During ADULTHOOD

As we get older, dental care for adults is crucial. Here are a few of the conditions to be aware of:

Gum disease – if your home care routine of brushing and flossing has slipped and you have skipped your regular dental cleanings, bacterial plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. The plaque and tartar, if left untreated, may eventually cause irreparable damage to your jawbone and support structures, and could lead to tooth loss.

Oral cancer – according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, men over the age of 40 have the greatest risk for oral cancer. About approximately 43,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer of the mouth, tongue or throat area, and the ACS estimates that about 7,000 people will die from these cancers. The use of tobacco products and alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer. Most oral cancers are first diagnosed by the dentist during a routine checkup.

Dental fillings break down – fillings have a life expectancy of eight to 10 years. However, they can last 20 years or longer. When the fillings in your mouth start to break down, food and bacteria can get underneath them and can cause decay deep in the tooth.

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